Punjab Powers Ahead with ₹641-Crore Nabha Power Green Energy Project in Patiala

The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is setting new precedents in the field of clean energy. By making clean energy the keystone of the state's development, the government is protecting the environment and creating employment opportunities for millions of youth. To this end, Nabha Power Limited's (NPL) ₹641 crore power generation project is a shining star in Punjab's green revolution. This project will bring affordable, clean electricity and 500 jobs, ensuring a clean and prosperous future for Punjab. With recently launched initiatives, Punjab is rapidly progressing towards achieving clean energy capacity, which will ensure the state's economic strength and sustained growth.

Nabha Power Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), has embarked on an ambitious plan to convert its 1,400 MW thermal power plant in Rajpura, Patiala, to a hybrid model with solar energy. This ₹641 crore project will integrate solar energy with a thermal plant, reducing pollution by 15 percent and protecting the environment. The project will create 500 new jobs, with priority given to local youth. The project will operate under a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), providing affordable and clean electricity to Punjab. The project will be commissioned by December 2025 and completed in phases by 2026, significantly increasing Punjab's renewable energy capacity.

This Nabha Power project will significantly strengthen the state's industrial system. The Rajpura thermal plant already meets a significant portion of Punjab's electricity needs, providing 40 percent of its electricity needs during the off-peak season and 20 percent during the peak season. The integration of solar energy will further improve the plant's environmental sustainability. In 2025, the Central Government's Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) awarded NPL an award for environmental protection, demonstrating its green commitment. This project strengthens Punjab's clean energy initiatives, highlighting the strength of the country's domestic investment and Indian multinational companies.

The Punjab government's other clean energy initiatives are also actively pursuing this initiative. A plan for 66 new solar plants will generate 264 MW of clean electricity by December 2025, generating 400 million units of electricity annually and saving ₹176 crore in agricultural subsidies. This plan will attract an investment of ₹1,056 crore and create over 500 jobs. The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PIDA) has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, to produce clean hydrogen fuel from paddy straw, a revolutionary step in environmental protection. The 40 MW canal-top solar project will generate electricity while saving water. Solar farms are being built in Fazilka and Ferozepur with Safar, which will attract further investment. Solar panels installed in 4,238 government schools are generating 28.9 million units of electricity. Rooftop solar power plants totaling 63.5 MW have been installed, and 3,000 applications are pending. PIDA has installed 815.5 MW of solar plants, reducing power losses. A ₹5,000 crore power infrastructure plan will eliminate power outages next year. These projects have already created over 2,000 jobs, and this number will double by the end of 2025.

Clean Energy Minister Aman Arora said, "This Nabha Power project is a major step in Punjab's green revolution. We are moving from thermal to solar energy, which will save the environment and provide green jobs for the youth." Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, "This Nabha Power project is a symbol of prosperity for every Punjabi. Our government is taking Punjab to new heights through clean energy, employment, and investment. Your trust will be our strength in the upcoming elections. We promise that Punjab will become clean, prosperous, and self-reliant." This project will prove to be a milestone in making Punjab the green engine of India.